1 TRANSLATION OF THE PROCEEDINGS AND ... - APFA News

on either side of the road. Since the bushes there have a very fast growth rate,
they require clearing for a minimum of three times in a year.
Besides the Ngolops, there is great danger of Bhutanese vehicles and travelers
being harassed by ULFA-Bodo militants. Therefore, massive clearance of forests
were launched along highways between Samdrup Jongkhar and Narphung,
Deothang and Bangtar, Alabari check post and Nganglam, Changkhar, Sarpang
and Darachu, Gelephu and Surey and other high security risk areas.
Since clearing of forests and bushes alongside highways in insecure border areas
are very important, the Speaker extended his appreciation to the dzongkhag who
undertake this responsibility under the co-ordination of the Ministry of Home
Affairs. The discussion concluded by highlighting the need for the Ministry of
Home Affairs and Sarpang Dzongkhag to enter into discussion with the
responsible officials of the Assam government to clear forests along the highways
and reduce security risks.
4. Flood Control and Land Protection Project
The people of Sarpang Tar, Hilley, Gelephu, Bhur and Lhamoi Zingkha Geogs
pointed out that Sarpang is the rice bowl of the country. The flash floods in the
monsoon wash away fertile soil, as the land in the area is highly vulnerable to
erosion. Besides, there is danger of landslides in future due to flash floods.
Therefore, protection measures like construction of embankments along the rivers
and streams need to be urgently initiated. They expressed their hope that if the
project were approved as a major programme in the 9th plan, it will not only help
protect the fertile arable land but also help protect the natural environment.
The Hon’ble Minister for Agriculture responded by saying that Bhutan’s
geographic terrain is very rugged and mountainous, and therefore, there is limited
arable land for agriculture. The largest and the most fertile of this arable land is in
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